PERSONAL STATEMENT
I am a professional industrial designer and adjunct instructor with an enthusiastic bonsai addiction. I have more than a decade of professional design and design-management experience, and I have expertise working with fabricators, vendors, contractors, and firms in a professional setting. I have built a strong educational video presence on YouTube through my bonsai hobby, Appalachian Bonsai. My academic interests focus on building empathy for the human condition, critical & speculative design thinking, and videography for online learning. I am always looking for a place that continues my love of mentoring talent, and an administration that values the contributions of their faculty toward the education of its student body.
EDUCATION
2019 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)
Master of Science in Architecture
2003 Auburn University
Bachelor of Industrial Design
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
2020 – Curr. Virginia Tech
Adjunct Instructor of Design
Human Factors
Lecture discussions of ergonomics, anthropometrics, design principles, human development, UX, aging-in-place, ADA, cognition, and emotion as they relate to designed objects, architecture, urban spaces, and user interfaces; taught to a large cross-section of major and minor students
Industrial Design Lab III (Junior Studio)
Introducing working aspects of critical design and corporate branding within a studio environment to reinforce design methods, research, materials & processes, and social/cultural responsibilities; advising on manufacturing techniques and professional development; collaborative research and design methodology with sponsorship, mentors, and volunteers for aging-in-place projects
Industrial Design Lab II (Sophomore Studio)
refinement of skills; introduction to industry partners; incorporation of human factors into design practice; introduction to design research; deepening the complexity of design process with integration of skillsets, specifically visual & verbal communication of ideas
Summer Studio for Minors
Online introductory course for interdisciplinary minor students to understand how to work during the coronavirus pandemic; general instruction on design research, sketch ideation, prototyping, and final presentation of ideas; Zoom instruction
Solidworks (CAD)
Online instruction of the 3D modeling software package Solidworks to sophomore design students, with skills ranging from beginner to intermediate
2018 – 2019 Virginia Tech
Graduate Teaching Assistantships
Responsibilities included grading assignments, recording attendance, lecturing during instructor absences, and acting liaison between remote instructors & students during professor’s leave of absence
- Design Visualization
- Human Factors
- Design Research
- Woodshop
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
2019 Graduate Education Development Institute (GEDI)
Training in contemporary pedagogical techniques, use of technologies in the classroom, and inquiry-based learning
2015 – 2016 Daley Group, LLC
Coached in professional career & managerial development; understanding interpersonal relationships in working environments; conflict management; time management
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2016 – Curr. Appalachian Bonsai – YouTube
Founder & Content Creator
Production of online video tutorials about bonsai trees, including tree design, collection of raw materials, seasonal maintenance, care instructions, and soil components; speculative discussion to innovate the art into an American version of a traditional form using native materials.
80k+ subscribers; 10M+ views (as of June 2021)
2019 – 2020. Virginia Tech – Living Labs: A Big Sticky Project
Associate Researcher
Conducting interviews and producing video content for exhibition & record; aiding in production of ceramic tiles for large architectural installation; promoted efficiency through assembly line production methods; general labor
2008 – 2018 Crenshaw Lighting
Lead Designer, Product Designer, Estimator, Fabricator
Designed custom architectural light fixtures; restored & replicated historically important lighting artifacts; managed team of industrial designers and mechanical engineers; oversaw production of all submittal and working drawings; formalized design process through communications, checklists, data collection, and hiring of staff; estimated for quotes; consulted clientele; assisted in fabrication, restoration & installation of light fixtures; operated as shop liaison; proficiency in Solidworks 3D modeling software & Photopia optical design software
Notable Projects with Crenshaw Lighting
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA – SkB Architects
Facilitated the design of custom ceramic lighting for new headquarters; connected artisans and craftspersons into a cohesive creative unit; converted renderings and mockup visuals into constructive working models for fabrication
520 Park Avenue, New York City, NY – Robert A.M. Stern Architects
Detailed quotation of custom lighting; preliminary designs for approval & manufacture; sourcing of custom materials; advisement to engineering and fabrication
Wyoming State Capitol, Cheyenne, WY – HDR, Plan One/Architects
Restoration & replication of historic light fixtures; research of historic glass types & methods in the creation of new custom lenses; assistance in complete lighting design package; consultation to ensure historical accuracy of elements
Minnesota State Capitol, St. Paul, MN – HGA Architects
Restoration & replication of historic light fixtures; design of new historically-inspired light fixtures; modification of fixtures to modern LED technology; assistance in complete lighting design package; design consultation throughout project development, production, & installation; procurement of custom materials; fabrication of custom details
United States Supreme Court, Washington, DC – Architect of the Capitol
Replicated historic elevator light fixture destroyed by fire; enabled in-situ 3D scans & modeling for custom casting; provided on-site consultation; procured custom castings
Provo City Center Temple, Provo, UT – FFKR Architects
Designed for manufacture of custom light fixtures for historic temple; assisted in lighting design package; facilitated production & installation
George W. Bush Presidential Library, Dallas, TX – Robert A.M. Stern Architects
Assisted in fabrication, finish, transportation, and installation of custom brass and crystal chandeliers; advised on-site labor in troubleshooting install
United States Capitol Building, Washington, DC – Architect of the Capitol
Assisted in detail drawings of custom castings and fittings for Room S-238 chandelier; assisted in fabrication & finish of custom details
Cincinnati Museum & Union Terminal, Cincinnati, OH – GBBN Architects
Restoration and replication of historic Art Deco lighting; identified key details required for accuracy through old photographs and broken fixtures; created custom lighting inspired from original designs
Thalian Hall, Wilmington, NC – Hanbury Architects
Modeled and provided fabrication documents for historically-inspired chandelier; advised on details for accuracy based upon historic sketches and photographs
The Monroe Building, Chicago, IL – Holabird & Root
Replicated wall sconce fixtures based upon historic photographs; designed custom elevator call lights; designed office bowl pendants with custom bronze staves
2006 – 2008 Dreaming Creek Timber Frame Homes
Frame Designer, Timberwright
Converted architectural drawings into 3D timber models; applied traditional and custom frame joinery; drafted documents for clientele, engineers & fabricators; assisted in production of CNC files for Hundegger K2; assisted in fabrication and on-site raising of architectural timber frame structures; proficiency in AutoCAD HSB & Cadwork timbering software
2006 Chateau Morrisette Winery
Graphic Designer
Designed promotional materials and produced conceptual wine labels
LECTURES
2021 Exhibitor & Demonstrator
88th Historic Garden Week Tour, Roanoke VA
2020 Invited Lecturer, “Sketching Trees”
North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville NC
Invited Lecturer, “Inspired by a Southern Appalachian Bonsai”
North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville NC
Poster Presenter, “Speculative and Critical Design in Education: Practice and Perspectives”
ACM DIS2020 workshop, hosted by Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland, UK
Visiting Bonsai Artist & Videographer “Radical Redesign: Curator’s Talk & Styling Demonstration”
North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville NC
Invited Lecturer, “A Bonsai Program”
Salem Garden Club, Salem VA
2019 Invited Lecturer, “A Bonsai Program”
Hahn Horticultural Garden, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg VA
Invited Lecturer, “Bonsai & YouTube Content Creation”
IDS Thought Leaders Series, Industrial Design Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg VA
2017 Lecturer & Demonstrator, “Introduction to Bonsai”
8th Annual Greater Roanoke Home & Garden Show, Roanoke VA
APPOINTMENTS
2016 – 2018 President
Hinoki Bonsai Club, Roanoke VA
2015 Vice President
Hinoki Bonsai Club, Roanoke VA
MEMBERSHIPS
IDSA
Hinoki Bonsai Club
Ben Kirkland 